Structural tank integrated into an electronic device case

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is provided with a conductive bezel section and a conductive ground plane section forming a perimeter and being positioned opposite the conductive bezel section. The conductive ground plane section is separated from the conductive bezel section by a perimeter gap at the perimeter. A structural tank circuit is integrated with and connecting the conductive bezel section and the conductive ground plane section across the perimeter gap. Another implementation may include a structural capacitor or a structural inductor integrated with and connecting the conductive bezel section and the conductive ground plane section across the perimeter gap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/019,692, entitled “Tunable Slot AntennaIntegrated into a Resonant Cavity of an Electronic Device Case” andfiled on Jul. 1, 2014, which is specifically incorporated by referenceherein for all that it discloses and teaches.

The present application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser.No. ______ [Docket No. 355364.02], entitled “Slot Antenna Integratedinto a Resonant Cavity of an Electronic Device Case” and filedconcurrently herewith, which is specifically incorporated by referenceherein for all that it discloses and teaches.

BACKGROUND

Wearable electronic devices are becoming popular in consumerelectronics. Such devices may include one or more antennas designed tooperate on a lossy human body. One challenge in the design of antennasfor wearable electronic devices is that the antenna efficiency degradeswhen the antenna is in close proximity to lossy human body tissue.

SUMMARY

An apparatus is provided with a conductive bezel section and aconductive ground plane section forming a perimeter and being positionedopposite the conductive bezel section. The conductive ground planesection is separated from the conductive bezel section by a perimetergap at the perimeter. A structural tank circuit is integrated with andconnecting the conductive bezel section and the conductive ground planesection across the perimeter gap. Another implementation may include astructural capacitor or a structural inductor integrated with andconnecting the conductive bezel section and the conductive ground planesection across the perimeter gap.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Other implementations are also described and recited herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic device case.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequency feed betweena conductive bezel section and a conductive ground plane section of anelectronic device case.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequency feed betweena conductive bezel section and a conductive ground plane section of anelectronic device case.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an example tunableslot antenna integrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequencyfeed between a conductive bezel section and a conductive ground planesection of an electronic device case.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of an example tunable slotantenna integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic device case.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic side view of an example tunable slotantenna integrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequency feedbetween a conductive bezel section and a conductive ground plane sectionof an electronic device case.

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequency feed betweena conductive bezel section and a printed circuit board of an electronicdevice case.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequency feed betweena conductive bezel section and a printed circuit board of an electronicdevice case.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an example tunableslot antenna integrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequencyfeed between a conductive bezel section and a printed circuit board ofan electronic device case.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic side view of an example tunable slotantenna integrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequency feedbetween a conductive bezel section and a printed circuit board of anelectronic device case.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an example tunable slotantenna integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic device caseand a tank circuit to operate global positioning system frequencies.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example tunable slot antenna integrated into aresonant cavity of an electronic device case, with an exampleconfiguration of a bezel slot gap short.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example tunable slot antenna integrated into aresonant cavity of an electronic device case, with an exampleconfiguration of a perimeter slot gap short.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example tunable slot antenna integrated into aresonant cavity of an electronic device case, with an exampleconfiguration of another bezel slot gap short.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example tunable slot antenna integrated into aresonant cavity of an electronic device case, with an exampleconfiguration of another perimeter slot gap short.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example metal stub that can be useful in tuningGPS and high band operations of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic device case.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example integrated structural capacitor fortuning WiFi operations of an example tunable slot antenna integratedinto a resonant cavity of an electronic device case.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example integrated structural tank circuit fortuning GPS and high band cellular operations of an example tunable slotantenna integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic device case.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative slot antenna design of an exampletunable slot antenna integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronicdevice case.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example integrated structural tank circuit in analternative slot antenna design of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic device case.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example bezel slot gap short and an exampleperimeter slot gap short in an alternative slot antenna design of anexample tunable slot antenna integrated into a resonant cavity of anelectronic device case.

FIG. 22 illustrates another example perimeter slot gap short and a radiofrequency feed in an alternative slot antenna design of an exampletunable slot antenna integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronicdevice case.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example tuning step feature on a conductiveground plane of an alternative slot antenna design of an example tunableslot antenna integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic devicecase.

FIG. 24 illustrates another example integrated structural tank circuitin an alternative slot antenna design of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic device case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

The described technology provides multiple implementations of a tunableslot antenna integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic devicecase. In an implementation, a triple frequency band slot antenna designexcites the characteristic modes of the metallic antenna elements in theelectronic device and/or case structure. In another implementation, afive band slot antenna design is provided. Other implementations mayprovide more frequency bands or fewer frequency bands of operation. Inan implementation, human tissue (e.g., a wearer's wrist) increases theground plane effect and acts as a reflector at lower frequency bands tomaintain the antenna performance relative to or close to the lossytissue.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic device case 100. Aconductive bezel section 102 of the electronic device case 100 isconnected to a conductive ground plane section 104 via one or moreperimeter slot gap shorts 106. The conductive bezel section 102 has aperimeter 108, and the conductive ground plane section 104 has aperimeter 110. A separation between the conductive bezel section 102 andthe conductive ground plane section 104 forms a gap including one ormore slots 112 of a slot antenna configuration. The positions and radiallengths of the perimeter slot gap shorts 106 are tuned to one or morefrequency band resonances. The electronic device case 100 is illustratedas including fixtures 114 for attaching a watchband, although otherelectronic devices may be employed, including without limitationnecklaces and other wearable devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequency feed 206between a conductive bezel section 202 and a conductive ground planesection of an electronic device case 200. The conductive bezel section202 has a perimeter 203, which is shown as circular but which may be ofany shape including without limitation oval, triangular, rectangular,hexagonal, octagonal, etc. A conductive cap section 204 is surrounded bythe conductive bezel section 202 and is separated from the conductivebezel section 202 by a gap. The conductive cap section 204 is alsoconnected to the conductive bezel section 202 by two bezel slot gapshorts 208 (low band) and 210 (high band) to form bezel slots 212. Theconductive bezel section 202 is also connected to the conductive groundplane section by two perimeter slot gap shorts to form perimeter slots.The positions and radial (i.e., along the perimeter) lengths of thebezel slot gap shorts 208 and 210 and perimeter slot gap shorts (notshown) are tuned to one or more frequency band resonances.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequency feed 306between a conductive bezel section 302 and a conductive ground planesection 304 of an electronic device case 300. The conductive bezelsection 302 has a perimeter 303, which is shown as circular but whichmay be of any shape including without limitation oval, triangular,rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. A conductive cap section 308 issurrounded by the conductive bezel section 302 and is separated from theconductive bezel section 302 by a gap. The conductive cap section 308 isalso connected to the conductive bezel section 302 by two or more bezelslot gap shorts 310 (low band) and 312 (high band) to form bezel slots314. The conductive bezel section 302 is also connected to theconductive ground plane section 304 by two or more perimeter slot gapshorts 316 (low band) and 318 (high band) to form bezel slots 320. Thepositions and radial lengths of the bezel slot gap shorts 310 and 312and perimeter slot gap shorts 316 and 318 are tuned to one or morefrequency band resonances.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an example tunableslot antenna integrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequencyfeed 406 between a conductive bezel section 402 and a conductive groundplane section 404 of an electronic device case 400. The conductive bezelsection 402 and the conductive ground plane section 404 are positionedsubstantially parallel to each other, forming a perimeter gap, and areconnected by two or more perimeter slot gap shorts (not shown). Theperimeter slot gap shorts divide the perimeter gap into two or moreresonant perimeter slots 408. The positions and radial lengths of theperimeter slot gap shorts are tuned to one or more frequency bandresonances.

A conductive cap section 410 is positioned within the perimeter of theconductive bezel section 402, separated from the conductive bezelsection 402 by a bezel gap. The conductive cap section 410 is connectedto the conductive bezel section 402 by two or more bezel slot gap shorts412 to form two or more bezel slots 414. The positions and radiallengths of the bezel slot gap shorts 412 are tuned to one or morefrequency band resonances.

As shown, the conductive cap section 410 is formed as a display panel,covered by a transparent or translucent view panel, although otherconductive cap sections may be employed. Other components of theelectronic device case 400, including one or more plastic housingelements, air, a battery 416 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 418, forma resonant cavity 420 within the electronic device case 400. In FIG. 4,the resonant cavity 420 extends along the surface of the conductiveground plane section 404 and then substantially parallel to theperimeters of the conductive bezel section 402 and the conductive groundplane section 404. The radio frequency feed 406 connects the conductivebezel section 402 to the conductive ground plane section 404.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of an example tunable slotantenna integrated into a resonant cavity 502 of an electronic devicecase 500. An example component, a battery 504, is shown within aconductive bezel section 506 of the electronic device case 500, formingpart of the resonant cavity 502 between the component and the conductivebezel section 506.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic side view of an example tunable slotantenna integrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequency feed606 between a conductive bezel section 602 and a conductive ground planesection 604 of an electronic device case 600. The conductive bezelsection 602 and the conductive ground plane section 604 are positionedsubstantially parallel to each other, forming a perimeter gap, and areconnected by two or more perimeter slot gap shorts (not shown). Theperimeter slot gap shorts divide the perimeter gap into two or moreresonant perimeter slots 608. The positions and radial lengths of theperimeter slot gap shorts are tuned to one or more frequency bandresonances.

A conductive cap section 610 is positioned within the perimeter of theconductive bezel section 602, separated from the conductive bezelsection 602 by a bezel gap. The conductive cap section 610 is connectedto the conductive bezel section 602 by two or more bezel slot gap shorts612 to form two or more bezel slots 614. The positions and radiallengths of the bezel slot gap shorts 612 are tuned to one or morefrequency band resonances.

As shown, the conductive cap section 610 is formed as a display panel,covered by a transparent or translucent view panel 630, although otherconductive cap sections may be employed. Other components of theelectronic device case 600, including one or more plastic housingelements, air, a battery 616 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 618, forma resonant cavity 620 within the electronic device case 600. In FIG. 6,the resonant cavity 620 extends along the surface of the conductiveground plane section 604 and then substantially parallel to theperimeters of the conductive bezel section 602 and the conductive groundplane section 604. The radio frequency feed 606 connects the conductivebezel section 602 to the conductive ground plane section 604.

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequency feed 706between a conductive bezel section 702 and a printed circuit board of anelectronic device case 700. The conductive bezel section 702 has aperimeter 703, which is shown as circular but which may be of any shapeincluding without limitation oval, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal,octagonal, etc. A conductive cap section 704 is surrounded by theconductive bezel section 702 and is separated from the conductive bezelsection 702 by a gap. The conductive cap section 704 is also connectedto the conductive bezel section 702 by two bezel slot gap shorts 708(low band) and 710 (high band) to form bezel slots 712. The conductivebezel section 702 is also connected to the conductive ground planesection by two perimeter slot gap shorts to form perimeter slots. Thepositions and radial (i.e., along the perimeter) lengths of the bezelslot gap shorts 708 and 710 and perimeter slot gap shorts (not shown)are tuned to one or more frequency band resonances.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example tunable slot antennaintegrated into a resonant cavity having a radio frequency feed 806between a conductive bezel section 802 and a printed circuit board 818of an electronic device case 800. A conductive cap section 809 issurrounded by the conductive bezel section 802 and is separated from theconductive bezel section 802 by a gap. The conductive cap section 809 isalso connected to the conductive bezel section 802 by two bezel slot gapshorts 808 (low band) and 810 (high band) to form bezel slots. Theconductive bezel section 802 is also connected to the conductive groundplane section by two perimeter slot gap shorts 820 and 822 to formperimeter slots 824. The positions and radial (i.e., along theperimeter) lengths of the bezel slot gap shorts 808 and 810 andperimeter slot gap shorts 820 and 822 are tuned to frequency bandresonances. The radio frequency feed 806 connects the printed circuitboard 818 to the conductive bezel section 802.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an example tunableslot antenna integrated into a resonant cavity 920 having a radiofrequency feed 906 between a conductive bezel section 902 and a printedcircuit board 918 of an electronic device case 900. The conductive bezelsection 902 and the conductive ground plane section 904 are positionedsubstantially parallel to each other, forming a perimeter gap, and areconnected by two or more perimeter slot gap shorts (not shown). Theperimeter slot gap shorts 909 divide the perimeter gap into two or moreresonant perimeter slots 908. The positions and radial lengths of theperimeter slot gap shorts 909 are tuned to one or more frequency bandresonances.

A conductive cap section 910 is positioned within the perimeter of theconductive bezel section 902, separated from the conductive bezelsection 902 by a bezel gap. The conductive cap section 910 is connectedto the conductive bezel section 902 by two or more bezel slot gap shortsto form two or more bezel slots 914. The positions and radial lengths ofthe bezel slot gap shorts are tuned to one or more frequency bandresonances.

As shown, the conductive cap section 910 is formed as a display panel,covered by a transparent or translucent view panel, although otherconductive cap sections may be employed. Other components of theelectronic device case 900, including one or more plastic housingelements, air, a battery 916 and the printed circuit board (PCB) 918,form a resonant cavity 920 within the electronic device case 900. InFIG. 9, the resonant cavity 920 extends along the surface of theconductive ground plane section 904 and then substantially parallel tothe perimeters of the conductive bezel section 902 and the conductiveground plane section 904. The radio frequency feed 906 connects a radiocircuit on the printed circuit board 918 to the conductive bezel section902.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic side view of an example tunable slotantenna integrated into a resonant cavity 1020 having a radio frequencyfeed 1006 between a conductive bezel section 1002 and a printed circuitboard 1018 of an electronic device case 1000. The conductive bezelsection 1002 and the conductive ground plane section 1004 are positionedsubstantially parallel to each other, forming a perimeter gap, and areconnected by two or more perimeter slot gap shorts 1009. The perimeterslot gap shorts 1009 divide the perimeter gap into two or more resonantperimeter slots 1008. The positions and radial lengths of the perimeterslot gap shorts 1009 are tuned to one or more frequency band resonances.

A conductive cap section 1010 is positioned within the perimeter of theconductive bezel section 1002, separated from the conductive bezelsection 1002 by a bezel gap. The conductive cap section 1010 isconnected to the conductive bezel section 1002 by two or more bezel slotgap shorts to form two or more bezel slots 1014. The positions andradial lengths of the bezel slot gap shorts are tuned to one or morefrequency band resonances.

As shown, the conductive cap section 1010 is formed as a display panel,covered by a transparent or translucent view panel 1030, although otherconductive cap sections may be employed. Other components of theelectronic device case 1000, including one or more plastic housingelements, air, a battery 1016 and the printed circuit board (PCB) 1018,form a resonant cavity 1020 within the electronic device case 1000. InFIG. 10, the resonant cavity 1020 extends along the surface of theconductive ground plane section 1004 and then substantially parallel tothe perimeters of the conductive bezel section 1002 and the conductiveground plane section 1004. The radio frequency feed 1006 connects aradio circuit on the printed circuit board 1018 to the conductive bezelsection 1002.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an example tunable slotantenna integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic device case1100 and a tank circuit 1101 to operate global positioning system (GPS)frequencies. The tank circuit 1101 represents a parallel-LC circuitconnected to the antenna, but other tank circuit configurations may alsobe used, such as a series-RLC circuit or series-LC circuit. A conductivecap section 1109 is surrounded by a conductive bezel section 1102 and isseparated from the conductive bezel section 1102 by a gap. Theconductive cap section 1109 is also connected to the conductive bezelsection 1102 by a bezel slot gap short 1108 and the tank circuit 1101 toform bezel slots. The conductive bezel section 1102 is also connected toa conductive ground plane section 1104 by two perimeter slot gap shorts1120 and 1122 to form perimeter slots. The positions and radial (i.e.,along the perimeter) lengths of the bezel slot gap shorts 1108, the tankcircuit 1101, and the perimeter slot gap shorts 1120 and 1122 are tunedto one or more frequency band resonances. The radio frequency feed 1106connects a printed circuit board to the conductive bezel section 1102,the conductive bezel section 1102 to the conductive ground plane section1104, or provides another feed configuration.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example tunable slot antenna 1200 integrated intoa resonant cavity of an electronic device case, with an exampleconfiguration of a bezel slot gap short 1202. An axis is shown betweenaxis ends 1204 and 1206, with axis end 1204 positioned at about 12:00 ona clock dial and axis end 1206 positioned at about 6:00 on the clockdial, although it should be noted that the electronic device case neednot include an analog clock dial or any time keeping device. Thetime-related reference is intended only to provide a reference to thepositioning and size of certain features of the example tunable slotantenna 1200.

The bezel slot gap short 1202 is positioned within a bezel slot gap 1208between a conductive bezel section 1210 and a conductive cap section1212 around the conductive cap section 1212 to provide a conductive pathbetween the two sections 1210 and 1212 and forms boundaries of two bezelgap slots 1214 and 1216. In one implementation, the bezel slot gap short1202 is positioned ten degrees in the clockwise direction from the axisend 1206 with an arc length of ten degrees, although positions andlengths may be employed, such as when dimensions of the electronicdevice case change, frequencies of operations change, etc.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example tunable slot antenna 1300 integrated intoa resonant cavity of an electronic device case, with an exampleconfiguration of a perimeter slot gap short 1302. An axis is shownbetween axis ends 1304 and 1306, with axis end 1304 positioned at about12:00 on a clock dial and axis end 1306 positioned at about 6:00 on theclock dial, although it should be noted that the electronic device caseneed not include an analog clock dial or any time keeping device. Thetime-related reference is intended only to provide a reference to thepositioning and size of certain features of the example tunable slotantenna 1300.

The perimeter slot gap short 1302 is positioned within a perimeter slotgap 1308 around the perimeter between a conductive bezel section 1310and a conductive ground plane section 1312 to provide a conductive pathbetween the two sections 1310 and 1312 and forms boundaries of twoperimeter gap slots 1314 and 1316. In one implementation, the perimeterslot gap short 1302 is positioned ten degrees in the clockwise directionfrom the axis end 1306 with an arc length of ten degrees, althoughpositions and lengths may be employed, such as when dimensions of theelectronic device case change, frequencies of operations change, etc.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example tunable slot antenna 1400 integrated intoa resonant cavity of an electronic device case, with an exampleconfiguration of another bezel slot gap short 1402. An axis is shownbetween axis ends 1404 and 1406, with axis end 1404 positioned at about12:00 on a clock dial and axis end 1406 positioned at about 6:00 on theclock dial, although it should be noted that the electronic device caseneed not include an analog clock dial or any time keeping device. Thetime-related reference is intended only to provide a reference to thepositioning and size of certain features of the example tunable slotantenna 1400.

The bezel slot gap short 1402 is positioned within a bezel slot gap 1408between a conductive bezel section 1410 and a conductive cap section1412 around the conductive cap section 1412 to provide a conductive pathbetween the two sections 1410 and 1412 and forms boundaries of two bezelgap slots 1414 and 1416. In one implementation, the bezel slot gap short1402 is positioned 190 degrees in the clockwise direction from the axisend 1406 with an arc length of ten degrees, although positions andlengths may be employed, such as when dimensions of the electronicdevice case change, frequencies of operations change, etc.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example tunable slot antenna 1500 integrated intoa resonant cavity of an electronic device case, with an exampleconfiguration of another perimeter slot gap short 1502. An axis is shownbetween axis ends 1504 and 1506, with axis end 1504 positioned at about12:00 on a clock dial and axis end 1506 positioned at about 6:00 on theclock dial, although it should be noted that the electronic device caseneed not include an analog clock dial or any time keeping device. Thetime-related reference is intended only to provide a reference to thepositioning and size of certain features of the example tunable slotantenna 1500.

The perimeter slot gap short 1502 is positioned within a perimeter slotgap 1508 around the perimeter between a conductive bezel section 1510and a conductive ground plane section 1512 to provide a conductive pathbetween the two sections 1510 and 1512 and forms boundaries of twoperimeter gap slots 1514 and 1516. In one implementation, the perimeterslot gap short 1502 is positioned 153 degrees in the clockwise directionfrom the axis end 1506 with an arc length of 53 degrees, althoughpositions and lengths may be employed, such as when dimensions of theelectronic device case change, frequencies of operations change, etc.

The example short positions and arc lengths provide high radiationefficiency in the low band cellular frequencies (˜700 MHz) and the highband cellular frequencies (˜1900 MHz) for the illustrated exampletunable slot antennas 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example metal stub 1602 that can be useful intuning GPS and high band operations of an example tunable slot antenna1600 integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic device case. Theexample metal stub 1602 can provide or enhance tuning of GPS and highband cellular operation of the tunable slot antenna 1600 by designingthe metal stub 1602 at one of a variety of available heights between aconductive bezel section 1604 or to a conductive ground plane section1606 and/or by connecting the metal stub 1602 to either the conductivebezel section 1604 or to the conductive ground plane section 1606. Abattery 1608 or other components are shown within the electronic devicecase, forming part of the resonant cavity.

It should be noted that FIG. 16 illustrates the metal stub 1602 as beingconnected to the conductive bezel section 1604 and not to the conductiveground plane section 1606 (as shown by gap 1610), although the oppositeconfiguration is also contemplated. In the illustrated implementation,the metal stub 1602 extends around the perimeter of the electronicdevice from about 3:00 to 3:00 on a clock dial, which tunes the slotantenna 1600 well in the GPS and high band cellular ranges (e.g., whenemployed in the design shown in FIGS. 19-22), although other dimensionsand angular orientations may be employed.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example integrated structural capacitor 1702 fortuning WiFi operations of an example tunable slot antenna 1700integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic device case. Theintegrated capacitor 1702 is shown as a metal stub 1708 connected to aconductive bezel section 1704 and forming a gap 1703 between the metalstub 1708 and a conductive ground plane section 1706. The gap 1703 isfilled with a dielectric and acts as the capacitive gap between themetal stub 1708 and the conductive ground plane section 1706.

In the illustrated implementation of FIG. 17, the gap 1703 of thecapacitor element 1710 is 0.1 mm and the dielectric in the gap 1703 hasa dielectric constant of 16. The metal stub 1708 of the capacitorelement 1710 is 2.67 mm wide, 1.3 mm thick, and extends 3.9 mm from theconductive bezel section 1704, although other dimensions may be employedin alternative implementations. The integrated capacitor 1702 canprovide or enhance tuning of WiFi operation of the tunable slot antenna1700. It should be noted that FIG. 17 illustrates the metal stub 1708 asbeing connected to the conductive bezel section 1704 and not to theconductive ground plane section 1706, although the oppositeconfiguration is also contemplated. The integrated structural capacitor1702 can be used in place of or in combination with a discrete capacitorbetween the conductive bezel section 1704 and the conductive groundplane section 1704 to assist in tuning low band WiFi operation. In oneimplementation, the structural capacitor 1702 is positioned at a 9:00 ona clock dial to tune the low band WiFi operation, although otherdimensions and angular orientations may be employed.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example integrated structural tank circuit 1802for tuning GPS and high band cellular operations of an example tunableslot antenna 1800 integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronicdevice case. The integrated structural tank circuit 1802 is formed as atleast a structural portion of the electronic device case rather thanbeing constructed from one or more discretely packaged electroniccomponents soldered to the electronic device case. The integratedstructural tank circuit 1802 includes one or more metal stubs 1808connected to a conductive bezel section 1804 and forming a gap 1803between the metal stub 1808 and a conductive ground plane section 1806.The gap 1803 is filled with a dielectric and acts as the capacitive gapbetween the metal stub 1808 and the conductive ground plane section 1806to form a capacitor element 1810. The integrated tank circuit 1802 alsoincludes a conductive inductor element 1812 formed as a thin conductivetrace connected between the conductive bezel section 1804 and theconductive ground plane section 1806 and spaced a short distance (e.g.,about 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm) from the conductive inductor element 1812.

In the illustrated implementation of FIG. 18, the integrated structuraltank circuit 1802 is positioned at 1:25-1:30 on a clock dial, althoughother angular orientations may be employed. The integrated structuraltank circuit 1802 is open at GPS bands, allowing tuning and operation athigh band cellular frequency ranges.

The gap 1803 of the capacitor element 1810 is 0.1 mm and the dielectricin the gap 1803 has a dielectric constant of 16. The metal stub 1808 ofthe capacitor element 1810 is 2.67 mm wide, 1.3 mm thick, and extends3.9 mm from the conductive bezel section 1804, although other dimensionsand dielectric constants may be employed in alternative implementations.The metal trace of the inductor element 1812 connects the conductivebezel section 1804 and the conductive ground plane 1806 at a length of 4mm, a width of 0.25 mm and a thickness of 0.1 mm. The integrated tankcircuit 1802 can provide or enhance tuning of GPS operation of thetunable slot antenna 1800. It should be noted that FIG. 18 illustratesthe metal stub 1808 as being connected to the conductive bezel section1804 and not to the conductive ground plane section 1806, although theopposite configuration is also contemplated. In an alternativeimplementation, the capacitor element 1810 and the inductor element 1812may be employed separately, without the other element in closeproximity.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative slot antenna design of an exampletunable slot antenna 1900 integrated into a resonant cavity of anelectronic device case. An axis 1902 represents an axis between 12:00(at end 1903) and 6:00 (at end 1905) on a clock dial.

As illustrated, a radio frequency feed 1902 is positioned at 6:00 on aclock dial to excite the slot antenna 1900. A capacitor 1904 (discreteor structurally integrated) is positioned between a conductive bezelsection and a conductive cap section at about 9:00 on a clock dial totune low band cellular (or WiFi) operation. A single conductive bezelslot gap short 1906 is positioned at about 10:00-12:15 on a clock dial.Though not shown in FIG. 19, a perimeter slot gap short is positioned atabout 10:00-12:00 on a clock dial, and another perimeter slot gap shortis positioned at about 6:45-8:15 on a clock dial. In this design, theslot antenna 1900 can provide five tuned bands of operation—high bandand low band cellular, high band and low band WiFi, and GPS operations.This alternative design implementation is further described with regardto FIGS. 20-22. Furthermore, one or more alternative designs mayemployed a single perimeter slot gap short.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example integrated structural tank circuit 2002in an alternative slot antenna design of an example tunable slot antenna2000 integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic device case. Theintegrated structural tank circuit 2002 forms a parallel LC circuit andincludes a metal stub 2008 connected to a conductive bezel section 2004and forming a gap 2003 between the metal stub 2008 and a conductiveground plane section 2006. The gap 2003 is filled with a dielectric andacts as the capacitive gap between the metal stub 2008 and theconductive ground plane section 2006 to form a capacitor element 2010.The integrated tank circuit 2002 also includes a conductive inductorelement 2012 formed as a thin conductive trace connected between theconductive bezel section 2004 and the conductive ground plane section2006 and spaced a short distance (e.g., about 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm) from theconductive inductor element 2012. Internal components 2011 of theelectronic device (e.g., a battery) reside within the electronic devicecase and provide a surface portion of the resonant cavity.

In the illustrated implementation of FIG. 20, the integrated structuraltank circuit 2002 is positioned at 1:20-1:25 on a clock dial, althoughother angular orientations may be employed. The integrated structuraltank circuit 2002 is open at GPS bands, allowing tuning and operation athigh band cellular frequency ranges.

The gap 2003 of the capacitor element 2010 is 0.1 mm and the dielectricin the gap 2003 has a dielectric constant of 16. The metal stub 2008 ofthe capacitor element 2010 is 2.67 mm wide, 1.3 mm thick, and extends3.9 mm from the conductive bezel section 2004, although other dimensionsmay be employed in alternative implementations. The metal trace of theinductor element 2012 connects the conductive bezel section 2004 and theconductive ground plane section 2006 at a length of 4 mm, a width of0.25 mm and a thickness of 0.1 mm, although other dimensions may beemployed in alternative implementations. The integrated tank circuit2002 can provide or enhance tuning of GPS operation of the tunable slotantenna 2000. It should be noted that FIG. 20 illustrates the metal stub2008 as being connected to the conductive bezel section 2004 and not tothe conductive ground plane section 2006, although the oppositeconfiguration is also contemplated.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example bezel slot gap short 2102 and an exampleperimeter slot gap short 2104 in an alternative slot antenna design ofan example tunable slot antenna 1210 integrated into a resonant cavityof an electronic device case. The bezel slot gap short 2102 provides ashort circuit across a bezel gap 2106 between a conductive cap section2108 and a conductive bezel section 2110. The perimeter slot gap short2014 provides a short circuit across a perimeter slot 2112 between theconductive bezel section 2110 and a conductive ground plane section2114.

In the implementation illustrated in FIG. 21, the bezel slot gap short2102 is positioned at about 10:00-12:15 on a clock dial, and theperimeter slot gap 21 short is positioned at about 10:00-12:00 on aclock dial, and another perimeter slot gap short is positioned at about6:45-8:15 on a clock dial, although other dimensions and angularorientations may be employed.

FIG. 22 illustrates another example perimeter slot gap short 2202 and aradio frequency feed 2204 in an alternative slot antenna design of anexample tunable slot antenna 2200 integrated into a resonant cavity ofan electronic device case. The perimeter slot gap shorts 2202 provides ashort circuit across a perimeter slot 2206 between the conductive bezelsection 2208 and a conductive ground plane section 2210. The perimeterslot gap short 2202 is positioned at about 6:45-8:15 on a clock dial,although other dimensions and angular orientations may be employed. Abezel slot 2212 resides between a conductive cap section (not shown) andthe conductive bezel section 2208, and the perimeter slot 2206 residesbetween the conductive bezel section 2208 and the conductive groundplane section 2210. The radio frequency feed 2204 connects an internalcomponent (e.g., a PCB board) to the conductive bezel section 2208. Inan alternative implementation, the radio frequency feed 2204 can connectbetween the conductive bezel section 2208 and the conductive groundplane section 2210.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example tuning step feature 2302 on a conductiveground plane section 2304 of an alternative slot antenna design of anexample tunable slot antenna 2300 integrated into a resonant cavity ofan electronic device case. In one implementation, the tuning stepfeature 2302 conductive and is positioned on or integrated into theexterior surface of the conductive ground plane section 2304, with athickness of 0.6 mm in a low current region of the conductive groundplane section 2304 during low band WiFi operation. In the orientationshown (with axis end 2306 representing 12:00 on a clock dial and axisend 2308 representing 6:00 on a clock dial, the 0.6 mm step feature 2302turns the slot antenna 2300 for low band WiFi (e.g., 2.4 GHz) operation,although other dimensions and orientations may be employed.

In an alternative implementation, the tuning step feature 2302 is formedon the printed circuit board of the internal components within theelectronic device case. In this implementation, the tuning step feature2302 resides within the ground plane resonant cavity portion.

FIG. 24 illustrates another example integrated structural tank circuit2402 in an alternative slot antenna design of an example tunable slotantenna 2400 integrated into a resonant cavity of an electronic devicecase. The integrated structural tank circuit 2402 forms a serial LCcircuit and includes two metal stubs 2408 and 2409 connected to aconductive bezel section 2404 and separated by a gap 2403 between thetwo metal stub 2408 and 2409. The gap 2403 is filled with a dielectricand acts as the capacitive gap between the metal stubs 2408 and 2409.The integrated tank circuit 2402 also includes a conductive inductorelement 2412 formed as a thin conductive trace connected between themetal stub 2409 and the conductive ground plane section 2406. Internalcomponents 2411 of the electronic device (e.g., a battery) reside withinthe electronic device case and provide a surface portion of the resonantcavity.

In the illustrated implementation of FIG. 24, the integrated structuraltank circuit 2402 is positioned at 1:20-1:25 on a clock dial, althoughother angular orientations may be employed. The integrated structuraltank circuit 2402 is open at GPS bands, allowing tuning and operation athigh band cellular frequency ranges.

The gap 2403 of the capacitor element 2410 is 0.1 mm and the dielectricin the gap 2403 has a dielectric constant of 16. The metal stub 2408 ofthe capacitor element 2410 is 2.67 mm wide, 1.3 mm thick, and extends3.9 mm from the conductive bezel section 2404, and the metal stub 2409of the capacitor element 2410 is 2.67 mm wide, 1.3 mm thick, and extendsfrom the gap 2403, although other dimensions and dielectric constantsmay be employed in alternative implementations. The metal trace of theinductor element 2412 connects the metal stub 2409 and the conductiveground plane section 2406, a width of 0.25 mm and a thickness of 0.1 mm,although other dimensions may be employed in alternativeimplementations. The integrated tank circuit 2402 can provide or enhancetuning of GPS operation of the tunable slot antenna 2400. It should benoted that FIG. 24 illustrates the metal stub 2408 as being connected tothe conductive bezel section 2404 and not to the conductive ground planesection 2406, although the opposite configuration is also contemplated.

In yet another implementation, a structural tank circuit, a structuralinductor, and/or a structural capacitor can span across any gap betweentwo conductive material edges. The conductive material edges can be ofthe same conductive element (e.g., a slot in a conductive sheet ofmetal) or of different conductive elements (e.g., a slot formed by twoor more conductive sheets or portions of metal).

A first example apparatus includes conductive bezel section and aconductive ground plane section forming a perimeter and being positionedopposite the conductive bezel section. The conductive ground planesection is separated from the conductive bezel section by a perimetergap at the perimeter. The first example apparatus also includes astructural tank circuit integrated with and connecting the conductivebezel section and the conductive ground plane section across theperimeter gap.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus includes oneor more components residing between the conductive bezel section and theconductive ground plane section forming a resonant cavity including aground plane resonant cavity portion between the one or more componentsand the conductive ground plane section and another resonant cavityportion between the one or more components and the perimeters of theconductive bezel section and the conductive ground plane section.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein thestructural tank circuit comprises a structural capacitor formed as ametal stub extending from the conductive bezel section toward theconductive ground plane section, the metal stub being separated from theconductive ground plane section by a gap filled with a dielectric.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein thestructural tank circuit comprises structural capacitor formed as a metalstub extending from the conductive ground plane section toward theconductive bezel section, the metal stub being separated from theconductive bezel section by a gap filled with a dielectric.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein thestructural tank circuit comprises a structural inductor formed as ametal trace connecting the conductive bezel section to the conductiveground plane section.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein thestructural tank circuit comprises a structural capacitor connecting theconductive bezel section to the conductive ground plane section and astructural inductor connecting the conductive bezel section to theconductive ground plane section.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein thestructural tank circuit is formed as a structural portion of theelectronic device case.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein theone or more components includes a printed circuit board and furtherincluding a single radio frequency feed structure connecting the printedcircuit board to the conductive bezel section.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus furtherincluding a single radio frequency feed structure connecting theconductive cap section to the conductive bezel section.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein theone or more components includes a printed circuit board and a battery.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein theapparatus directs a radio frequency carrier wave away from theconductive ground plane section.

A second example apparatus includes a conductive bezel section and aconductive ground plane section forming a perimeter and being positionedopposite the conductive bezel section. The conductive ground planesection is separated from the conductive bezel section by a perimetergap at the perimeter. The second example apparatus further includes astructural capacitor integrated with and connecting the conductive bezelsection and the conductive ground plane section across the perimetergap.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus furtherincluding one or more components residing between the conductive bezelsection and the conductive ground plane section forming a resonantcavity including a ground plane resonant cavity portion between the oneor more components and the conductive ground plane section and anotherresonant cavity portion between the one or more components and theperimeters of the conductive bezel section and the conductive groundplane section.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein thestructural capacitor is formed as a metal stub extending from theconductive bezel section toward the conductive ground plane section, themetal stub being separated from the conductive ground plane section by agap filled with a dielectric.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein thestructural capacitor is formed as a metal stub extending from theconductive ground plane section toward the conductive bezel section, themetal stub being separated from the conductive bezel section by a gapfilled with a dielectric.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein thestructural capacitor is formed as a structural portion of the electronicdevice case.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein theone or more components includes a printed circuit board and furtherincluding a single radio frequency feed structure connecting the printedcircuit board to the conductive bezel section.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus furtherincluding a single radio frequency feed structure connecting theconductive cap section to the conductive bezel section.

Another example apparatus of any previous example apparatus wherein theone or more components includes a printed circuit board and a battery.

A third example apparatus includes one or more conductive elementsforming a gap and a structural tank circuit integrated with the one ormore conductive elements. The structural tank circuit spans across thegap.

In some implementations, structures in the antenna design may include orbe supplemented with materials and/or connections having electricallyvariable impedance to provide a capability for tuning the antenna designfor different frequency bands.

The described and contemplated implementation is a matter of choice,dependent on the performance requirements of the computer systemimplementing the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood thatoperations may be performed in any order, adding and omitting asdesired, unless explicitly claimed otherwise or a specific order isinherently necessitated by the claim language.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a completedescription of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of theinvention. Since many implementations of the invention can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, theinvention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Furthermore,structural features of the different embodiments may be combined in yetanother implementation without departing from the recited claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus comprising: a conductive bezel section;a conductive ground plane section forming a perimeter and beingpositioned opposite the conductive bezel section, the conductive groundplane section being separated from the conductive bezel section by aperimeter gap at the perimeter; and a structural tank circuit integratedwith and connecting the conductive bezel section and the conductiveground plane section across the perimeter gap.
 2. The apparatus of claim1 further comprising: one or more components residing between theconductive bezel section and the conductive ground plane section forminga resonant cavity including a ground plane resonant cavity portionbetween the one or more components and the conductive ground planesection and another resonant cavity portion between the one or morecomponents and the perimeters of the conductive bezel section and theconductive ground plane section.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thestructural tank circuit comprises a structural capacitor formed as ametal stub extending from the conductive bezel section toward theconductive ground plane section, the metal stub being separated from theconductive ground plane section by a gap filled with a dielectric. 4.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the structural tank circuit comprisesstructural capacitor formed as a metal stub extending from theconductive ground plane section toward the conductive bezel section, themetal stub being separated from the conductive bezel section by a gapfilled with a dielectric.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thestructural tank circuit comprises a structural inductor formed as ametal trace connecting the conductive bezel section to the conductiveground plane section.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the structuraltank circuit comprises a structural capacitor connecting the conductivebezel section to the conductive ground plane section and a structuralinductor connecting the conductive bezel section to the conductiveground plane section.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the structuraltank circuit is formed as a structural portion of the electronic devicecase.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the one or more componentsincludes a printed circuit board and further comprising: a single radiofrequency feed structure connecting the printed circuit board to theconductive bezel section.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: a single radio frequency feed structure connecting theconductive cap section to the conductive bezel section.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the one or more components includes aprinted circuit board and a battery.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the apparatus directs a radio frequency carrier wave away fromthe conductive ground plane section.
 12. Apparatus comprising: aconductive bezel section; a conductive ground plane section forming aperimeter and being positioned opposite the conductive bezel section,the conductive ground plane section being separated from the conductivebezel section by a perimeter gap at the perimeter; and a structuralcapacitor integrated with and connecting the conductive bezel sectionand the conductive ground plane section across the perimeter gap. 13.The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising: one or more componentsresiding between the conductive bezel section and the conductive groundplane section forming a resonant cavity including a ground planeresonant cavity portion between the one or more components and theconductive ground plane section and another resonant cavity portionbetween the one or more components and the perimeters of the conductivebezel section and the conductive ground plane section.
 14. The apparatusof claim 12 wherein the structural capacitor is formed as a metal stubextending from the conductive bezel section toward the conductive groundplane section, the metal stub being separated from the conductive groundplane section by a gap filled with a dielectric.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 12 wherein the structural capacitor is formed as a metal stubextending from the conductive ground plane section toward the conductivebezel section, the metal stub being separated from the conductive bezelsection by a gap filled with a dielectric.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12wherein the structural capacitor is formed as a structural portion ofthe electronic device case.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein theone or more components includes a printed circuit board and furthercomprising: a single radio frequency feed structure connecting theprinted circuit board to the conductive bezel section.
 18. The apparatusof claim 12 further comprising: a single radio frequency feed structureconnecting the conductive cap section to the conductive bezel section.19. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the one or more componentsincludes a printed circuit board and a battery.
 20. Apparatuscomprising: one or more conductive elements forming a gap; a structuraltank circuit integrated with the one or more conductive elements, thestructural tank surface spanning across the gap.